When to use an Infrared Security Camera in your Security System Setup

Infrared security cameras excel at allowing security personnel to see in the dark. There are advantages and disadvantages to using this type of lens in your security camera cctv system.

Many new security personnel are aware of the large obvious drawback of using a infrared camera: it captures in black and white. However, there are many reasons why you would want an infrared security camera (or several) in your security setup.

An infrared security camera has the ability to capture video in conditions where other cameras cannot capture anything. Faced between having black and white video is better than having none.

Configuring a CCTV setup, has to account for variables outside your control. Investing thousands of dollars into state of the art camera systems that can be disabled by simply cutting power to a few key lighting systems that were taken for granted, can be a major oversight. Installing a few cameras in your setup that can still function without lighting is essential. Also, for cameras that will be used outside, infrared security cameras are still the most widely preferred option out there.

How do Infrared security cameras work? Infrared Sensors (or IR) detect infrared radiation, which is essentially the byproduct of heat. Specifically, electromagnetic radiation has a wavelength longer than visible light but shorter than a microwave, which means that people cannot see it or be damaged by it. Infrared (or thermal) imaging is used in many devises such as smart missiles, night vision goggles, and television remotes. Other scientific uses involve using infrared light to predict the weather or study the formation of stars. Obviously, visible light is not necessary to produce heat, which is why infrared cameras work so well at night.

When selecting a infrared security camera it is helpful to know the location where you will be installing it. Infrared light sensors works differently than cameras which work well in ambient light. You will need a light with larger and/or more numerous bulbs if the area you would like to capture is farther away.

A good rule of thumb is: if the infrared security camera has 12 or more infrared lights, it was not meant to be used indoors. Often times, the CCTV applications for indoor cameras is to help secure small rooms or tight spaces that have many flat reflective surfaces, such as windows, doors, coffee tables, fish tanks, or anything else glossy ” including some types of glossy interior paints. Many users assume that more lights will automatically make a better picture, but this is not the case. It is generally better to know the application for your security camera before you purchase.

In general, an infrared security camera has a specific application in a security camera setup: to see in in the dark and thus be a failsafe to your other devices. For more infrared security cameras please see www.security-camera-warehouse.com